Aalami Punjabi Ikatth (API) has established The Bulleh Shah Award for
outstanding contributions to Punjabi literature and/or Punjabi
causes. 2007 is the first year of this annual award. The first recipient
was Surjit Patar, a renowned Punjabi poet from Ludhiana. This award was
presented to him by Dr. Amanullah Khan President of Aalami Punjabi
Ikatth, at the third International Kavi Darbar/Punjabi Mushaira, held in
Dallas, Texas on July 21, 2007.

At this gathering, Dr. Amanullah Khan explained that one of the
objectives of API is to promote unity among the Punjabi organizations
and to strive for a "Lok Lahar" ( a popular wave) for an awareness of
the richness of the Punjabi language and its literary treasures. The
organization will also strive to preserve this cultural heritage for
future generations. He invited all the like minded organizations to
join hands for this cause. The Punjabi Cultural Association of North
Texas (PCANT) jointly sponsored this Kavi Darbar. PCANT President
Nirmal Nilvi stated that "because of the maaN boli we have gathered on
this auspicious occasion from all over the world and it deserves our
support."